We all need a full time kitchen assistant. There is so little time for food preparation during the short, cold, busy months of winter. And, winter is just the season that we need to prepare hot meals, FAST! Or, shall we say, SLOW!

Yes, we consider our slow cooker the answer to our cooking dilemma; how to prepare delicious, healthful family pleasing comfort meals with minimal hands–on time, and in fact, while we are not even at home!

Many use their slow cookers for Shabbos, but we suggest that this stand–alone cooking partner should in fact be considered a full–time, hard-working dedicated kitchen assistant. Try some of these recipes – and let us know what you think. Please share the special recipes that you create with your slow cooker.

Coffee, wine and chocolate…each has its place in our lives as a food group. Our morning coffee starts our day, and the quality, taste and temperature of our coffee starts our morning on the right track.

We have found that varying the beans truly allows us to savor and discern the taste of different coffees from different regions. Just as we appreciate many types of wine, cheese and chocolate, the burr grinder has added to our appreciation of regional coffees – including Jamaica Blue Mountain, Guatemalan, Costa Rican and of course, our old favorite Columbian Supremo (most of which we purchased at Costco).

Five grind settings for light to dark beans and 3 easy choices for coffee strength let us adjust the grinder to our favorite coffee strength. We found that if you prefer very strong coffee, as we do especially in the morning, we set the strength indicator to the dark bean position and filled the Jura with only 8 cups of water (35 to 40 oz.), but set the burr grinder to grind enough coffee for 10 cups. Alternately, if a very mild coffee is preferred, just set the grinder one or two levels below the amount of coffee needed.

We are delighted with this coffee maker... coffee just the way we want it – fresh, aromatic, strong (or not)! As the saying goes... "Have it your way", and we do. It makes us smile to wake up to the delightful aroma of freshly ground Capresso coffee – especially when that cup is paired with a warm cinnamon bun or toasted bagel!

Features of The Capresso CoffeeTeam TS 10-Cup:• Keeps the coffee hot without reheating and burning• Programmable from 4-10 cups, with a choice of 5 grind settings and 3 strength settings - mild, regular and strong• Control panel with clock and timer; brew-pause function• Two Mode Settings: BREW (for pre-ground coffee) & GRIND/BREW (for whole bean coffee).• Gold Tone Filter and charcoal water filtration with electronic indicator, which shows when to replace the charcoal water filter. Removes up to 82% of chlorine and other impurities from tap water.• Drip -Stop and Stop-and-Serve lets you remove the carafe while brewing to serve a quick cup.• All in one, compact and convenient. No need for a separate grinder• 2 hour safety shut-off

"It is my will and desire that Lenox, Incorporated shall at all times manufacture the highest possible grades of porcelain, that the standard of excellence already attained shall ever be advanced..."— Walter Scott Lenox

Since 1889 the vision of Walter Scott Lenox has guided the company he founded to set the highest standards for quality, artistry, and beauty."

In the early 20th century fine home dining became popular as did the concept of a separate dining room. Walter Lenox recognized this American trend and began creating custom-designed and elaborately decorated plates despite the domination of European china.The first two of these patterns, Mandarin and Ming, both introduced in 1917 — remained popular for 50 years. The name Lenox, grew to be synonymous with elegant tableware and was selected for the White House. In 1918 by President and Mrs. Woodrow Wilson who commissioned an official state service of 1,700 pieces. Lenox was the first American china to grace a president's table. It still is the the only American porcelain in continuous use at the White House. New services have been created for four subsequent presidents: Truman (1951), Reagan (1981), Clinton (2000) and George W. Bush (2008). Walter Scott Lenox died in 1920, having realized his dream and founded a company dedicated to the "perfection of American porcelain".

Millions of brides in America have registered, requested and been delighted by Lenox china patterns in the past 80 years. Many of the pattern names are legendary including Lowell ((a Kosher Eye personal choice) and Autumn. In 1989 Lenox celebrated its centennial — and built its landmark Kinston, North Carolina plant, the only fine bone china factory in the United States. The 218,000-square-foot plant is situated on 40 acres, and can produce 15,000 to 20,000 pieces of china daily.

Lenox continues to be a lasting jewel on the kosher holiday and Shabbos table. As is well known, observant Jews have multiple sets of tableware—two sets for everyday, one for dairy, one for meat. and then again two for Passover. Beautiful Shabbos and Yom Tov table settings, which enhance the serving of delicious family recipes, are a memorable part of Jewish tradition. Lenox china has been part of the American Jewish table, and ours, for many years. We cherish our Lenox Lowell pattern, given to us as wedding gifts over a quarter century ago.And now, with the Lenox entry into the casual china category, Lenox is more and more part of the everyday table. In fact, two years ago we purchased a set of Lenox Butterfly Meadow, one of the new casual patterns. We find it lovely, colorful and practical. It is microwave, oven-to-table ready and dishwasher safe. We use it for everyday meat meals, and because it is so beautiful sometimes, for Shabbos! We've added a matching table cover, serving pieces and placemats. Now it's time to buy a new dairy set—and because of this experience, we're sure that it will be Lenox!

There are occasions when you are preparing a recipe, that it doesn't really matter what pan you use. But when making jam, jelly, and marmalade, the secret to success is all about the pan. In this case, the pan is the Mauviel 1830 Hammered Copper Jam Pan. Not only is it a beauty – a work of art – but it delivers results.

The company was founded in 1830 by Ernest Mauviel in Villedieu˗les˗Poêles – “the city of copper” – a Normandy village in northeastern France. The area has an 800 year heritage of copper manufacturing. The strength and foundation for Mauviel's manufacturing expertise is based upon this rich tradition of copper manufacturing that has been handed down from generation to generation.

From the beginning, the company has taken pride in producing high quality products and, today, Mauviel copper pans are used throughout the world by many famous chefs and professionals.

We were gifted by Mauviel with a 14–inch copper jam pan and it is beautiful, with its riveted brass handles and hand hammered brass finish – if such a description can be applied to a pan. We are featuring it in conjunction with our Cookbook of the Week selection, The Blue Chair Jam Cookbook by Rachel Saunders. In her cookbook ,Saunders pan of choice for making her delectable jams, jellies and marmalades is ideally a copper pan. We asked her about this and received the following response:

"We love our Mauviel copper preserving pans for many reasons: Their shape is perfect for quick moisture evaporation and prevents boiling over, copper provides even heat distribution and doesn’t react with the fruit-sugar mixture, and many people (including us) believe that the copper helps enhance the flavor of the jam. Copper preserving pans are absolutely safe for cooking jam. The key to using a copper pan is to put the fruit in it only after the fruit has been combined with sugar. The high concentration of sugar in the mixture prevents the fruit from reacting with the copper. Putting fruit in the pan on its own will cause the fruit to react with the copper and can be dangerous. We have made thousands of jars in our copper pans, and the results are excellent."

As we wrote in our article on The Blue Chair Jam Cookbook, we were fascinated with Saunders oven method of sterilizing the glass jam jars, as we have previously used the boiling water bath method. "We have had great success processing jars in the oven. The good news about jam is that its high concentrations of sugar and acid render it very inhospitable to harmful microorganisms. If oven processing makes you uncomfortable, you can certainly make any recipe in The Blue Chair Jam Cookbook using a water bath or other processing technique of your choice. Any new jars you purchase should come with manufacturer's instructions for water bath processing. You can find in-depth instructions for oven processing in The Blue Chair Jam Cookbook."

And our last question to Saunders: What advice would you give those new to jam making? "Starrt with the simplest possible jam, such as blackberry, strawberry, or blueberry and then work your way up from there."

Our bounty – homemade Sour Orange Lemon Marmalade

So, inspired by Saunders advise and using her Sour Orange & Lemon Marmalade recipe, her oven sterilization method, and our new Mauviel jam pan, we made marmalade. Was the experience wonderful? Oh yes, we just loved it and the results were delicious! We picked oranges because we love orange marmalade and they are in season. We didn't pick an easy single step recipe (as recommended by Rachel) but a 3 day recipe; each single step clearly defined and not difficult . And now we know why the pan is designed to be so large in width and not in depth – because it allows the fruit to cook evenly and when it boils and bubbles (which it does the entire cooking period) it does not boil over the top of the pot. Are we hooked on jam making? You bet we are! Are we hooked on our Mauviel Copper Jam Pam? Absolutely yes!

About the Mauviel Copper Jam Pan: Prized in French kitchens, this classic copper pan is made of heat-responsive copper in a wide, shallow design, it's also useful for making caramel and other high-sugar foods.

There is no denying that the Mauviel Hammered Copper Jam Pan is an investment; but one that will last many, many years and produce fabulous results each and every time. Rachel Saunders thinks the results of preparing jam in the Mauviel jam pan are so excellent that she decided to start carrying the pans on her website and is offering KosherEye readers a 10% discount off the purchase of one. Just enter the discount code KOSHERI at checkout. Offer good until March 3rd. To purchase your very own copper jam pan, please clickhere. Also available on Amazon.com.

It may be smaller than it's bigger sibling, the Bosch Universal Mixer, but it's mighty! Distributed exclusively by L’EQUIP, who call it the "baby" Bosch, it is the #1 selling mixer in Europe. Manufactured by the Bosch Group – a leading global supplier of automotive and industrial technology, consumer goods, and building technology. Founded in Stuttgart, Germany in 1886 by Robert Bosch, the company has expanded to more than 60 countries, and has some 285,000 associates - 170,000 of them outside Germany.

Why did this compact mixer appeal to us? We already have a larger stand mixer, a true workhorse, perfect for big batch mixing. We were looking for a mixer that mimicked the larger ones, was lighter in weight to lift, and would fit comfortably in a smaller space. With the "baby" Bosch mixer, counter space and weight are not an issue. It is permanently situated on our counter - ready for use.

Do not let its compact size fool you. The Bosch Compact Mixer is very powerful and is designed for heavy loads. It has a 400 watt motor, a sturdy 4–quart mixing bowl and can knead up to 6 pounds* of dough – about 2–3 loaves of bread depending on the size. Not bad for a "baby"! The nonslip feet hold the unit in place on the countertop and serve to minimize noise and vibration. Its other features are:

Stirring Whisk: This is used for cake mixes and light doughs. We like this recipe for Lemon Bonbon Cookies.

Dough Hook: For kneading yeast doughs - such as bread and pizza - and to mix heavy cookies, pastry doughs, and also when adding nuts, chocolate chips, dried fruit, hard butter, etc. to batters. Great for mixing up a batch of Whole Wheat Pizza Dough.

Anti-Splash Cover: Made of heavy-duty see-through clear plastic, it is recommended that the lid be in place when operating the mixer. It has a pour-spout in the front that allows the addition of ingredients while the mixer is in use. It also serves to prevent the escape of flour-dust at the beginning of the stirring and kneading process.

Four speeds, one year full warrantly and parts are dishwasher safe

With the many available attachments - such as a compact blender, food processor, slicer/shredder, juicer - it can be your all-in-one appliance. We do not have any of the attachments but we do have the Bosch Compact Mixer and it is a jewel. If you are short on space, don't want to do "heavy lifting" of those big mixers, need a second mixer that is reliable, powerful, durable, easy to use, need a mixer for Passover, or just want to purchase a really great mixer, consider a "Baby" Bosch – give it a good home.

*An interestingitem to share regarding, on the average, how many pounds of bread dough are produced from a 5-pound bag of all-purpose flour: From the award winning cookbook, A Blessing of Bread by Maggie Glezer: Her recipe, My Challah (pages 94 - 96), when made with five pounds of flour makes nine 1–pound (450 grams) or six 1 1/2 pound (680 grams) challahs.

The Bosch Group is a leading global supplier of automotive and industrial technology, consumer goods, and building technology. Founded in Stuttgart, Germany in 1886 by Robert Bosch, the company has expanded to more than 60 countries, and has some 285,000 associates − 170,000 of them outside Germany. We had heard about theBosch Universal Mixer from avid challah, bread, and cake bakers, and became more familiar with it at the January AmericasMart Gift and Home Show. We have been smitten with this innovative, efficient machine ever since. We initiated our Bosch pre–Passover, a time when we often replace, update, or add to our appliances, and began our Bosch relationship with creating Passover sponge cakes, nut cakes, cookies, meringues,and more. It didn’t disappoint. We were able to blend, mix, and prepare our Passover specialties in record time! Now that Passover has ended, it’s time for the real test—challah and bread baking.

We have been searching for a machine (agreed our hands and a big bowl certainly work) to easily mix and knead big batches of bread, especially challah. A machine which would efficiently mix five pounds of flour- an entire bag. We have found the solution in the Bosch Universal Mixer. This machine arrives with a large 6 1/2 quart bowl, a dough hook, whips, splash ring, and covers. We also tested the optional cookie paddles, extra stainless steel bowl and dough scraper. An add-on blender is also available, but we did not try it. Best of all, the mixer is configured to easily handle large quantities of dough for breads and baked goods. It is definitely the go–to mixer for big batches. Some call it the Bosch Bread Maker even though it is really a complete, easy to use mixer. What we especially liked about this mixer was its capacity. We can make double batches of cookies and cakes, bread for a crowd, challahs to serve and to freeze. We also love that it is easy to add ingredients because of the double removable lids. And, everything goes in the dishwasher. Well almost everything, the dough hook does not. We recommend the Bosch Universal to you if making large batches of baked goods is often on your to–do list. It will save you time, and likely money. Although our Bosch life has just begun, we read comment after comment that it will last “forever”. Stay tuned. We plan to update our findings from time to time.

Features of Bosch Universal Mixer • Powerful motor, 800 Watts, 4 speed settings • Cord storage • Suction cup feet keep machine securely in place; mixer doesn’t walk around the counter • Wide range of optional accessories • Very popular for bread – making, 6½-quart bowl –mixes up to 6 lbs. of dough • Ergonomic and easy handling with rim at top of bowl • Triple arm dough hook is designed to replicate hand kneading • 3 year motor/transmission warranty; 1 year warranty on attachments • Bowls and accessories are dishwasher safe • Easy to add ingredients to the bowl due to the 2 part lid

Visit thekosherchannel.com, for a spectacular challah recipe from Renee Chernin, former Atlantan and now at home in Jerusalem. Along with the recipe, Renee will guide you through the beautiful thoughts and Torah insights of making challah, including the special meaningful bracha (blessing) to recite as challah is made.

by Guest Columnist, Marlene Mamiye The Jewish Hostess

Dear KosherEye Readers,

Passover is a time to break out of the traditional, and set your artistic talents free right onto your holiday table. Of course our traditional Seder gives us such a sense of comfort, but nothing is more liberating than seeing a bit of your creative side displayed fabulously on your Seder table for all of your guests to enjoy. Here at The Jewish Hostess, I get so inspired by the hundreds of women from all over the world that share their Jewish holiday table creation pictures. Enjoy and be inspired by these original ideas sent in by Jewish Hostess readers.

10 Ways to Think Out of The Seder Plate and Create Your Own Fresh Holiday Table Style

2. Get into the holiday theme by sprinkling mini animals and frogs in unexpected places. Check out this bag of Passover Frogs from Amazon. Photo Frogs Here, Frogs There- What a Fun Seder Table! by Jewish Hostess Sara Kasten.

3. Avoid the mess of passing the seder items around the entire table, and place a mini ke'arah in a small salad plate in front of each guest. This makes the kids feel especially important. Photo by Jewish Hostess- Sarah Mamiye

4. Another chic idea- take out those champagne and flute glasses that are very bored just hanging around your cabinets and place bitter herbs, celery, into them. Pass around on a tray to all of your guests. Idea by Jewish Hostess-Alexis Mizrahi

7. This Jewish Hostess table was sent in by Shelly Anteby who used a scarf as a table runner and wood from home depot as a base for her leopard fabric. I love the hot pink and summer green combo! Amazing! Remember to use some of these ideas for Shabbat or any special occasion!

8. Last year for Purim, I bought an inexpensive fabric and cut it as a diamond overlay over a white hemstitch table cloth. Why not purchase a brightRED runner or overlay to symbolize Makat DAM? (the plague of blood) Here's another RED inspiration for Passover by Jewish Hostess Kim Dabah. Kim used gorgeous red roses, red linen napkins and red dishes as an easy yet powerful accent to her elegant table setting.

9. Paper napkins can be chic! Here's how. I folded these clothlike napkins and made my own napkin rings in 10 minutes or less!

10. Keep usingCOLOR, COLOR,COLOR! Color make people happy. Color adds to the festive atmosphere. Color makes us all glad to be alive and free to appreciate the beauty that surrounds our lives. I hope you've been inspired to create your own Passover table style! I would love to see the wonderful hues, ideas, and themes that you come up with! Please email your pics (iPhones take great pictures!) to me at my photos(at)thejewishhostess.com! Wishing all of you a Healthy and Happy Holiday! Marlene Mamiye

About The Author

Marlene Mamiye is the creator of the popular website, The Jewish Hostess. She has always been intrigued by the stories of Syrian Jewish grandmothers who made the most of what they had  transforming the cheapest cuts of meat and passed-their-prime breads and vegetables into memorable dishes and spent three years producing a documentary about the history of the Syrian Jewish community. Her work on the documentary was the inspiration for The Jewish Hostesswebsite.

In 1937, W.G Barnard was a salesman of "modern" home products and introduced an all–new product—the blender—to his line. This blender was the very first Vitamix machine. With this introduction, the first of its kind, W.G Barnard revolutionized an industry.

When television made its debut in 1949, his son booked a 30–minute time slot in Cleveland and created the first–ever direct response commercial, which ran for several years in many markets and made the blender a household word

The business has stayed in the Barnard family for over 70 years. In 1964, the company name was officially changed to Vitamix Corporation. The Vitamix revolutionized what could be done in a blender. Its large motor and friction cooking capability enabled these amazing machines to freeze, create ice cream, grind grain, cook soup and pulverize whole fruits and vegetables, and more.

In 2007, the new Vitamix 5200 was introduced. This is a machine that "papa Barnard could only have dreamed of, and everything that his son bill Barnard wanted it to be”. Today's versatile Vitamix 5200 is capable of doing the work of 10 different kitchen appliances and over 50 different kitchen processes—without any attachments. The Vitamix 5200 is considered by many to be the best blender on the market.

Today, the Vitamix corporation continues to grow. Every Vitamix product, both commercial and household, is American made, built at the world headquarters in Cleveland, Ohio. Vitamix is still family–owned and operated, focused on the importance of quality and customer service. It remains a family company, with Jodi (Barnard) President, and John Barnard Executive Chairman and COO. The Vitamix mission continues: "To be the best blending equipment company in the world."

We will be sharing our Vitamix recipes, tips and thoughts in the coming weeks and months. It is certainly not the poster child for sleek or stunning kitchen appliances, but does simply beautiful work! If you watch the cooking shows, including one of our favorite cooking gurus, Martha Stewart, note how the Vitamix takes center stage. It is an amazing kitchen workhorse – powerful, dependable, versatile, sturdy – -and so easy to use! Not only is the Vitamix capable of speeds up to 240 mph, but it does slow speed–blending as well. This slow speed and variable speed control is unique among blenders and allows for the ability to accomplish multiple tasks including: chopping. crushing ice, making frozen desserts, grinding, kneading dough, blending smoothies, creating nut butters, mincing vegetables, making hot soup and so much more. Yes, it is an investment (the model #5200 Standard, costs about $450) but comes with a seven-year warranty and loads of support.)

So let’s begin…

What can you do with the Vitamix in the kitchen, specifically the kosher kitchen? We are keeping the recipes parve and Passover friendly, since we are suggesting that Passover is a perfect time to ‘inaugurate’ new kitchen accessories. We currently have only one container and blade, however, it is already quite evident to us that we will soon need a second set as well…one for dairy, and one for meat. And, perhaps next year, a new set for Passover.

When John Ulam founded All–Clad Metalcrafters over 40 years ago, he tapped his skills as a metallurgist to utilize his knowledge of the unique properties and benefits of various metals. He created bonded cookware, which embodied simple, classic design, and proved to perform beyond the capabilities of any single-metal cookware. In this process of perfecting layered-metal bonding, a legacy was born, a benchmark for professional bonded cookware.

At each stage of the manufacturing process, every piece of All–Clad bonded cookware is hand–inspected to ensure that it maintains All–Clad quality standards. This detailed scrutiny slows the production process, but guarantees that every piece of bonded cookware that leaves the Canonsburg, Pennsylvania based mill, preserves the reputation and standards that precede it.

This company prides itself in their creed that quality always takes precedence over convenience; the metals are formulated for optimal cooking performance; not for ease of manufacturing. They are manufactured to the most stringent environmental standards. “Virtually every ounce of unused material is recovered and recycled, down to the metal dust generated during the sanding process. “

After cooking with All–Clad in our kitchens, we conclude that this brand, although a splurge, is an essential and worthwhile kitchen investment. The signature stay–cool handle is cast from solid stainless steel, ergonomically–designed for comfort during long cooking sessions. Rivets are formed from high–-yield–strength stainless steel, and treated to remove trace elements of iron that could otherwise cause corrosion. The finished tri–ply bonded cookware product is meant to offer a lifetime of service. And, if used according to instructions, it is guaranteed for a lifetime, and slated to be a kitchen heirloom.

We fried Hanukkah Latkes in our 12–inch All–Clad non–stick fry pan. The oil heated evenly, the latkes browned beautifully and how easy it was to clean. Next, we tested Eggrolls using just 1/3–inch of oil. Once again, we had the same even heating results. There was no puddling or burned oil; no scorched egg roll skins. Next came pan fried breaded boneless Chicken Schnitzel. What a pleasure. And then, the real test of fry pan, making scrambled eggs, absolutely no sticking. It wasa breeze! We also fried up a batch of home fried potatoes, yumm! As you can see, we are using our pan for fleish (meat), but now that we love it so much, we need to invest in an All–Clad for dairy.

This fry pan is easy to clean, a feature we look for on all of our kitchen cookware. We gently used a soft soapy nylon scrubber on the cooled pan, and then also put it in the dishwasher. (We put everything in the dishwasher!)

So dear foodies, chefs, home cooks and passionate kitchen hobbyists, how can you resist. We can’t. A KosherEye gift yourself or gift others selection.

“It is my will and desire that Lenox, Incorporated shall at all times manufacture the highest possible grades of porcelain, that the standard of excellence already attained shall ever be advanced..." Walter Scott Lenox.

Since 1889, the vision of Walter Scott Lenox has guided the company he founded to set the highest standards for quality, artistry, and beauty.

In the early 20th century, fine home dining became popular, as did the concept of a separate dining room. Walter Lenox recognized this American trend and began creating custom–designed and elaborately decorated plates, despite the domination of European china.

The first two of these patterns, Mandarin and Ming, both introduced in 1917, remained popular for 50 years. The name Lenox grew to be synonymous with elegant tableware and in 1918, it was selected for the White House, by President and Mrs. Woodrow Wilson; an official state service of 1,700 pieces was commissioned. Lenox was the first American china to grace a president's table. It still is the the only American porcelain in continuous use at the White House. New services have been created for four subsequent presidents: Truman (1951), Reagan (1981), Clinton (2000) and George W. Bush (2008).

Walter Scott Lenox died in 1920, having realized his dream and founded a company dedicated to the "perfection of American porcelain”.

Millions of brides in America have registered, requested and been delighted by Lenox china patterns in the past 80 years. Many of the pattern names are legendary including Lowell ((a Kosher Eye personal choice) and Autumn. In 1989 Lenox celebrated its centennial and built its landmark Kinston, North Carolina plant – the only fine bone china factory in the United States. The 218,000-square-foot plant is situated on 40 acres, and can produce 15,000 to 20,000 pieces of china daily.

Lenox continues to be a lasting jewel on the kosher holiday and Shabbos table. As is well known, observant Jews have multiple sets of tableware; two sets for everyday (one for dairy, one for meat), and then again, two for Passover. Beautiful Shabbos and Yom Tov table settings, which enhance the serving of delicious family recipes, are a memorable part of Jewish tradition. Lenox china has been part of the American Jewish table, and ours, for many years. We cherish our Lenox Lowell pattern, given to us as wedding gifts over a quarter century ago.

And now, with the Lenox entry into the casual china category, Lenox is more and more part of the everyday table. In fact, two years ago we purchased a set of Lenox Butterfly Meadow, one of the new casual patterns. We find it lovely, colorful and practical. It is microwave/ oven-to-table ready and dishwasher safe. We use it for everyday meat meals, and because it is so beautiful, we sometimes use it for Shabbos! We’ve added a matching table cover, serving pieces and placemats. Now it’s time to buy a new dairy set—and because of this experience, we’re sure that it will be Lenox!